Since 1991, a young
Filipino man, Carmelo Cortez, has had numerous experiences of the Madonna
and is able to manifest detailed images of the Christ, Mary, and others
onto rose petals. Healings have also been associated with these phenomena.

In June 1991, Cortez, age 21, was living in a squatters' area in San
Francisco Del Monte in Quezon City. He was given a picture of the Madonna,
which he placed on an altar. The following night he heard a soft voice
and the sound of beautiful music. Cortez followed the voice and found
it was emanating from the picture. The Madonna was shedding tears of
blood and the baby Jesus in the altar appeared to be catching the tears
with one hand. The picture was later placed on a church altar, and a
relative of Cortez was healed of a fever.

Two days later, Cortez said he was again awakened by beautiful music,
and the Madonna began giving him messages. Since that time, Cortez has
seen and talked to the Madonna more than 100 times.

Other miracles have accompanied these manifestations. Columnist Christine
Dayrit reported on one particular miracle which others have experienced
as well - sacred images appearing on rose petals.

"He [Cortez] took a flower from a vase of fresh white roses which we
had brought. He then took the petals from the stalk by removing the
sepal. One by one, Carmelo placed a petal on our shoulders as we said
our prayers ... After a few moments, we were asked to take a look at
the petals. To our astonishment, what were originally plain white rose
petals had now on them the image of the crucified Christ." Others present
"cried in exultation" as images of the Madonna, the Sacred Heart, Mother
and Child, St Joseph and Child, St Francis of Assisi, and many others,
appeared on their petals.

Many people have reported being healed of various ailments by Cortez.
Says Cortez: "It is not I who heals you of whatever physical or emotional
ailment you have. It is Jesus through the intercession of the Madonna.
I am just an instrument." ( Source: Signs of Our Times, USA; reported
in Share International, October 1996 )